Top 12 Things to Do in Japan

Japan has become the first choice of many tourists in recent years with its beautiful scenery and unique culture. Although the land area of Japan is not very large, you can feel the unique charm of the local customs and enjoy different travel experiences in different seasons., which makes the scenery and culture worthy of repeated appreciation and experience, creating unforgettable memories for travelers around the world. For your better taste of this charming land, we have selected the TOP 12 things you must do in Japan to enrich your travel experience during your tour to Japan.

Visit Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan with an altitude of about 3, 776 meters. For Japanese people, Mount Fuji is one of the symbols of Japanese spirit and culture with irreplaceable value and significance. It is a sacred mountain with natural charm and beauty and was added to UNESCO's World Heritage list in 2013, which has become one of the must-see attractions in Japan, making millions of people visit Mount Fuji every year.

If you're a scenery and photography enthusiast, you might as well see it from a distance. You can capture a photograph that reflects the Japanese style by visiting the Gojunoto in Arakurayama Sengen Park, which offers a clear view and a great place to view Mount Fuji. In addition, Kawaguchiko is also a recommended location. It is the most convenient of the five lakes in Fuji, where you can enjoy different views of Mount Fuji from all sides. If you want to see Mount Fuji closely, Kawaguchiko's boat tours are highly recommended. It is a 20-minute tour with a comfortable seating area on the first floor and an open deck area on the second floor, where you can see Mount Fuji very clearly on a sunny day. Due to the season, not every visitor will be lucky enough to see the entire Mount Fuji. According to research, the number of days in which people can see Mount Fuji is the highest between November and February, with January having the highest number of days, while between April and August is not easy to see Mount Fuji. But if you are a mountaineering enthusiast, please note that July to September is the only season when you can climb Mount Fuji. When you reach the summit of Mt. Fuji and view the sunrise above a sea of clouds, you'll realize that your efforts were well worth it.

Mount Fuji

Visit Sensoji Temple

Sensoji is the oldest temple in Tokyo, but also a popular amusement place located in the eastern district. The temple's gate "Kaminarimon" is a symbol of Japan and the Asakusa area, which has become the first stop on many tourist itineraries due to its easy accessibility.

Sensoji Temple is easily accessible with a five-minute walk after getting off the subway at Asakusa Station. In front of the temole is the "Kaminarimon" gate, which is often a popular place for tourists to take photos. Passing the gate is Nakamise Dori Street with various shops for visitors who want to stop and buy gifts. A must-do experience at Sensoji Temple is to visit the temple and draw lots. For as little as 100 yen (0.76 USD), you can predict your fortune, love, work or health for the next few days. If you get a good one, you can take it home and keep it. or bring it back and tie it to the temple for your second trip to Japan. If you get a bad one, don’t worry, just leave it here, and the monks of the temple will chant to eliminate the misfortune for you. And it is worth mentioning that Omamori is also a good gift for family and friends, a kind of textile fabric amulet with delicate decoration, which can bring good luck and protect people from danger.

Explore the Historical Sites in Kyoto

Kyoto, located in Japan's western district, is the ancient capital and cultural center of Japan with many years of historical deposition and rich historical sites, which has become the spiritual hometown of Japanese people and the cultural symbol of Japan. It is known as the "Capital of the Millennium" for its historic buildings, courtyards, paintings, traditional activities and Kyoto cuisine. This is why millions of tourists come to Kyoto every year for its traditional history and culture.

There are so many historic places to visit in Kyoto. The Fushimi Inari Shrine with its red architecture has become one of the most famous sights in Kyoto. As well as the Kiyomizu Temple, one of the most popular temples in Kyoto, attracts tourists from around the world with its spectacular scenery and unique architecture. Not to be missed at Kiyomizu Temple is the Kiyomizu Stage, which overlooks Kyoto's urban streets. In addition, it is the perfect place to take photos when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom in the spring and the autumn is full of maple leaves! If time permits, you can also visit a historic street – Teramachidori, where you can buy a variety of gifts with the historical charm of Kyoto.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Go to Tokyo Tower for Night Sightseeing

The landmark building and tourist attraction in Tokyo, Tokyo Tower, a radio tower located in Tokyo's Shiba Park, which is second only to the Sky Tree in height. Its red-and-white architecture makes it the first choice for many tourists to see the Tokyo metropolitan scenery. For a truly spectacular view of Tokyo, head to the top observation deck, where you can see not only the spectacular cityscape but also the Sky Tree and even Mount Fuji on a sunny day.

Tokyo Tower is illuminated at night, with two different forms of lighting depending on the season, summer and winter. The lights will also be on for 20 seconds at every hour between sunset and 11 p.m. It must feel great when the lights are on at night, so it is important to choose a good place for night sightseeing, such as the Akabanebashi Station, where you can see the magnificent Tokyo Tower as you exit the station. Or the UKAI, a high-end tofu restaurant, a place where you can enjoy both the delicate dish and glittering Tokyo Tower at the same time.

Enjoy the Cherry Blossoms

The cherry blossom, one of the most typical flowers of Japan, is regarded as a spiritual symbol of Japanese people, so it has become their custom to enjoy cherry blossoms in the spring, when you could feel like you've entered a fantastical pink universe if you visit Japan during the cherry blossom season.

In general, cherry blossom season begins in early March in Okinawa in the south, moves north through Hiroshima, Kyoto, Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo, and Nagano, and finally reaching Hokkaido in the far north by May. Mount Yoshino in Nara, Hirosaki Park in Aomori, and Ueno Park in Tokyo are some of the most cherry blossom appreciation places in Japan. In addition, Chidorigafuchi Park in Tokyo is also worth a visit, especially at night when Chidorigafuchi's greenway is lit with cherry blossoms lights, where you can take a boat to see them, which can be a unique and interesting experience.

The number of visitors to Japan increases every year around the time of the cherry blossom season. It is thus advisable to plan your trip as early as possible if you want to see the cherry blossoms in Japan, as the high demand for accommodations during this time may make it difficult to get a room.

Cherry Blossoms

Watch the Fireworks Convention

If the romance of spring is the cherry blossoms, then the romance of summer is the fireworks. People who like to watch Japanese movies and TV shows are no strangers to this colorful night flower, which has become one of the indispensable elements of Japanese drama or movies. Originally, the fireworks convention was held to mourn those who had died of disease and starvation originally. But today it is more a gathering to share memories with love. Fireworks convention is the symbol of purity, romance and beauty.

You can see fireworks shows every year in July and August all over Japan. Compared with big cities such as Tokyo and Osaka, it is worth visiting Akita-ken's fireworks convention and Niigata's fireworks convention because of the rituals with little games you can enjoy. In addition, it's more meaningful to rent a bathrobe if this is your first time watching the convention and want to have a special sense of ceremony. It should also be noted that watching the fireworks convention must be early to occupy the seat, otherwise, you will not have the best viewing position!

Experience Hakone Onsen

Hakone, located in the southwestern Kanagawa Prefecture, is famous for its hot springs with the name of the home to Japan's hot springs. The Hakone hot spring experience is popular with tourists not only because of the natural water quality of the hot springs but also because it gives tourists a short rest after a long journey, such as the famous "Hakone seven soup", or seven hot springs that are regarded as health resorts.

For those tourists who pursue health, it is recommended to choose the Yuno Hana hot spring, which is a new hot spring with the effect of improving the cold body and beautifying the skin. The Yuno Hana hot spring is characterized by high temperatures, ranging from 43 degrees to 44 degrees. In addition, for those who want to enjoy the scenery while soaking in the hot springs, the Ashiniko hot spring is recommended, you can relax in the hot springs at the hotel while enjoying the view of Ashinoko Lake and Mount Fuji.

Onsen (Hot Spring)

Watch a Sumo Wrestling Match

Sumo wrestling, also known as Japanese wrestling, is a sport in which two topless strongmen wrestle with each other. A more accurate written record of sumo is the eighth century compiled in the book "Nihon Shoki", which describes the 35th emperor in order to receive the ancient Korean Baekje envoy, summoned court guards to hold a sumo competition. Now sumo has become the international sport of Japan, and an indispensable artistic and cultural treasure of Japan.

Sumo wrestling is not a year-round sport that you can watch all year round, except for January, May and September at the Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo. In addition, sumo wrestling matches can be seen at the Osaka Prefectural Sports Hall in March, the Nagoya Aichi Gymnasium in July, and the Fukuoka International Gymnasium in November, which shocks can never be placed by the TV screen.

Go Skiing in Hokkaido

If you decide to visit Japan in winter, Hokkaido could be a popular destination which is known around the world for its charming snow scenery, making winter the best season to visit. One of the must-do experiences of Hokkaido in winter is skiing, which is something you can enjoy whether you are a skiing enthusiast or a beginner.

One of the main reasons why Hokkaido ski resorts are so popular among tourists around the world is that the snow is of high quality, which is soft enough to protect you even if you fall down. It is recommended for interested tourists to learn about Sapporo International Ski Resort before going to Hokkaido. This ski resort has high-quality snow, and you can see the scenery of Otaru at the top of the mountain. It is also relatively friendly for beginners, with corresponding ski runs and other snow entertainment.

Before you decide to ski, remember to read some sik guide first. It's suggested that prepare ski equipment and clothing, as well as accident insurance in advance, which the insurance company will pay certain expenses for you if an accident or injury occurs during skiing.

Skiing in Hokkaido

Taste Osaka Food

In addition to sightseeing, tasting the local food is certainly not to be missed. As the core city of Kansai, Osaka is a paradise for food lovers, which not only has the Kansai specialties, but also food from all over the world. Among them, Dotonbori, as the most prosperous area of Osaka and the origin of Osaka's food culture, has become the first choice for tourists to taste delicious food.

When it comes to Osaka cuisine, most people's first reaction is to think of octopus balls. Although there are stores selling it all over the world, you will find that it is very different from in Osaka’s, which is more authentic with a fresh flavor of sea. Another popular dish is Okonomiyaki, which is a kind of Japanese savory pancake that is deeply loved by most customers. Japanese fried food is also worth mentioning. Although fried chicken and fried pork chops are also common in Europe and the United States, the taste of Kansai specialties may be more acceptable to tourists who taste fried food or the first time, which is fresh, crispy and less greasy.

Fried Chicken & Pork

Go shopping in Ginza

Shopping is an integral part of the trip. Ginza is one of the most famous streets in the world, al well as one of the most representative districts in Tokyo, known as the paradise for walkers and the heart of Tokyo, with high-end shopping stores as well as the most prosperous commercial street in Japan, which is a symbol of Japan. Mitsukoshi and Matsuya are two department stores where you can buy a variety of Japanese products as well as international brands. As long as your budget allows, I'm sure you can satisfy your shopping needs in Ginza!

Discover Japan via Shinkansen

When traveling to Japan, most tourists will not only pick just one city to visit, so the choice of transport is particularly important. The Shinkansen(bullet train), Japan's high-speed rail system, is also the world's first commercial high-speed rail system, connecting most of the important cities in Japan, and its convenience and speed make it the first choice for tourists to take. It takes only two and a half hours to get to Osaka, about 500 km from Tokyo, which shows the convenience and speed of the Shinkansen. Many natural and cultural landscapes along the Shinkansen enable tourists to get more travel experience and better integrate into local life. For example, the Tokaido Shinkansen is the busiest and hottest route in Japan, which connects three major metropolitan areas of Japan: Tokyo to Yokohama, Osaka to Kyoto and Nagoya.

Shinkansen (Bullet Train)

Japan certainly has plenty of attractions and culture just waiting to be visited and experienced. The above suggestions are just some of our top ideas when traveling to Japan. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us, and our 1-on-1 travel expert will take all your needs into consideration to customize a memorable Japan tour for you.